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O. W. JOHNSON.

GROUND ENGAGING SURFACE OF TRACTION WHEELS.

, APPLICATION FILED MAR. 29, I916, RENEWED JAN. 10. l9l9. 1,3 1 1 ,972. Patented Aug. 5, 1919.

. 3 SHEETS-SHEET Tm: COLUMBIA PMNOGRAPU c0., WASHINGTON, D. c.

0. W. JOHNSON.

GROUND ENGAGING SURFACE OF TRACTION WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 29. I9I6. RENEWED JAN. [0.1919.

1 ,3 1 1 ,972. Patented Aug. 5, 1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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THB COLUMBIA I'LANOGRAPH C0. WASHINGTOD D- C.

0. w. JOHNSON. GROUND ENGAGING SURFACE OF TRACTION WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 29. I916 RENEWED IAN. l0. I919- Patented Aug. 5, 1919.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- 0 M M J W 0 OLIVER W. JOHNSON, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

GROUND-ENGAGING SURFACE OF TRACTION-WHEELS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 5, 1919.

Application filed March 29, 1916, Serial No. 87,603. Renewed January 10, 1919. Serial No. 270,584.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OLIVER WV. J OHNSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Guyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ground-Engaging Surfaces of Traction-\Vheels, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to traction wheels or driving wheels of tractors intended more particularly for use on farms, an example of such a tractor being disclosed in an application for patent filed by me August 10, 1915, Serial No. 4 1,805. The present invention has special reference to the groundengaging surface of the traction or driving wheel, and the primary object of the invention is to produce a wheel which may be constructed of very thin material so that the weight thereof will be very substantially reduced. A further object of the invention is to provide a traction wheel with a groundengaging surface which will gage the soil when the machine is in use on the farm for plowing or other cultivating processes and may be readily converted into a smooth surface to permit the travel of the machine over paved roads and streets.

In order that a tractor may not slip but will be positively propelled when in use upon a field which is to be plowed or cultivated, it is a common practice to provide treads, corrugations or other projections which will take into the surface of the ground so as to prevent slipping of the wheel. These projections will break up and destroy the surface of paved streets and roads and legislation has been enacted forbidding the use of tractors upon improved roads and city streets unless the surfaces of the driving wheels are free of damaging projections. With the tractors most generally in use, in order to comply with these regulations, it is necessary to remove a large number of the nuts and bolts which secure the ground-engaging projections and this operation involves a great waste of time and is very laborious. One object of my invention, therefore, is to provide means whereby the wheel may be quickly provided with a smooth uninterrupted ground-engaging surface without removing any bolts and also avoid the waste of time which has been heretofore due to restoring the projections when the tractor is once more on the farm.

The stated objects of my invention and positively enother objects which will incidentally appear as the description of the same proceeds are attained by the use of such devices as are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and the invention resides in certain novel features which will be particularly pointed out in the claims following the detailed de scription.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of a traction wheel embodylng my present improvements;

Fig. 2 is an edge view of one of the ribs;

3 is a plan view of the same;

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing two adjacent ribs in dotted lines and showing in.

full lines a filler which is adapted to be engaged between the said ribs so as to furnish a continuous smooth ground-engagmg surface;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section of the filler shown in Fig. 4;

Fig; 6 is a plan view, partly broken away, of a modification;

Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of the fastening device shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of one of the brackets or lugs shown in Fig. 6.

In carrying out my invention, I construct the wheel in the form of a drum consisting of a cylindrical shell 1 of a thin metal plate rolled into cylindrical form and having its abutting ends welded together. In the ends of this shell, I secure heads 2 of sheet metal having annular flanges 3 riveted to the inner surface of the shell 1. Upon the outer surface of the shell 1, I secure a plurality of ribs 4 which, as shown in Fig. 1, are disposed in two series, each series extending around the periphery of one-half the shell and the inner ends of al ternate ribs overlapping. the ribs in each series being parallel and disposed obliquelv upon the shell. By this arrangement of the ribs, the ground-engaging or outer surface of each rib overlaps, transversely of the wheel, the ground-engaging surface of an adjacent rib sothat, when the wheel is traveling, there will always be portions of at least two ribs in engagement with the ground and, consequently, the mutilation of the surface will be minimized. The arrangement of the ribs is clearly shown in Fig. 1 and will be readily understood, it being readily noted that a line drawn across theperiphery of the drum parallel with its axis will pass through at least two ribs and in a large number of possible locations of such a line, it will pass through three ribs. The ribs are riveted orotherwise securely fastened to the shell of the wheel and the inner extremities thereof are deflected laterally, as shoWn at, 5, so as to projectinto the space between two successive ribs of the series of ribs on the opposed half of the wheel. This arrangement of the ribs so thoroughly reenforces the wheel that I am enabled to use exceedingly thin material and. have constructed the shell land heads 2 of thin boiler plate, bringing the weight of the Wheel down to nearly one half the Weight of the ordinary .traction wheels now commonly used.

The projecting 'end portion 5 of each rib cut away at its extremity on its under surface, as shown at 6, thereby forming an overhanging lip or lug and in the sides of the rib, at the bottom thereof, are longitudinal recesses or grooves 7 whichare adapted to be engaged by the fillers and locking devices presently set forth. The grooves 7 extend 'to the outer ends of the ribs and are open anus said 'outer ends but around the rivet holes formed through the ribs at the inner ends thereof and at the centers of the same, bosses 8 are formed which interrupt the grooves at said points. Between each pair 'of ribs 4, I secure in the shell of the wheel a rivet or similar device 9 having a head 10 which projects above the surface of the shell 1 and may serve as an additional ground-engaging element when the machine is in use upon the farm and also constitutes a stop to hold a filler in place when the machine is being driven over a paved road or street.

I11 the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4, the filler consists of a metal plate 11 which is of sufficient width to extend between adjacent ribs and is provided with d ownturned longitudinal flanges 12 of such a height that the surface of the plate 11. will lie flush with the tops of the ribs 4 when the filler is in position for use. At its inner end, the filler is constructedwith a tooth or'lug 13 adapted to engage in the recess 6 and on its sides near its outerends, are longitudinal ribs or flanges 14; which are adapted to engage the outer portions of the grooves 7 inthe sides of the ribs. The outer ends of the fillers are constructed with downturned flanges 15 which bear upon the outer surface of the shell 1 and thereby prevent collapse of the outer ends of the fillers and also present a barrier to the entrance of great quantities of dirt and mud into the space below the filler. To the under side of the plate 11, constituting the top of the filler, I secure a leaf-spring or resilient plate 16, the free end of which rides over the stop 10 when the filler is being forced into position and drops into engagement with the said stop after the filler is in place to hold it against accidental displacement. As shown in Fig. 4, the spring 16 is wider than the stop 10 so that the corners of the spring will project beyond the stop. When it is desired to remove a filler, it is merely necessary to insert a slender tool, such as a stout by engaging in the recess 6 effects a locking engagement with the innerend'ofa rib so that inward movement of the'filler will'be prevented and thefspring 1-6,by its engagement with the stop, effectually holds the filler against outward movement. To insert the "filler it is merely slid longitudinally between two adjacent ribs from the 'outer'ends of the same inwardly until the lug 13 engages the recess 6, at which time the ribs 14 will have 'engaged the grooves 7 so that movement of the filler in all directions will be prevented and a firm, smooth, uninterruptcdsurface will be provided. I

I It is to be understood that the fillers may take various forms but the form just described will ordinarily be found practical and eflicient, the very small spaces at the inner ends of the fillers being of "no moment and there being no portions of the wheel projecting beyond there'xtreme peripheral surface to break up pavements. Whereit is desired toll'ave the'driving wheel completely encircled by 'a'tire or shell which is entirely free of'any open spaces, the form shown in Fig.6 maybeemployed. This arrangement provides a band -which 'will'co'mpletely coverfth'e ground en'g'agin'g surface, of the wheel and may be easily removed H when it is desired to use the tractor upon the farm. In constructing this "modified form'of the device, I employ two circular bands of suchdimensio'ns as to fit'entirely around the wheel and closely against the outer surface of the ribs thereon. Each band is divided into a series of 'arcuate members orplates, indicatedat 17, and the plates may be "provided in anyfide'sired number although I prefer to make each plate equal in length to one-third the "circumference ofthe wheel so that siX plates will completely encircle "the wheel, three platesbeing provided for each half of the wheel. To the under sideso f the plates li, at the ends thereof, I secure fillers 18 which are the same in all respects'as'thefillers 11 previously described. To theunder side ofe'ach plate, at the central portion thereof, I secure lugs or'brackets 19 which arecon structedfwith stepped portions'or lips 20, r

the said'lorackets'being so'disposed that the lip 20 upon the innermost bracket will engage the recess 6 in an intermediate rib provided upon the opposite half of the wheel while the lips on the outer brackets will engage in the outer ends of the grooves 7 of adjacent ribs. I also pivotally attach to the under surface of the plates 17, latches or looking levers 21 which are connected at their inner ends by a link 22, the saidlevers or latcheshaving lips 23 at their outer ends which are adapted to engage the grooves 7 at'the inner sides of the bosses 8 and bear against the said bosses. A retaining spring 24 is secured to the inner end of the outermost latch or lever 21 and the beveled or bent extremity 25 of this spring is adapted to engage one of the outer brackets or lugs 19, as shown clearly in Fig. 6. The plate 17 is placed in position by sliding it over the periphery of the wheel from the end or edge of the same toward the center thereof, this operation causing the longitudinal side ribs of the fillers 18 to engage the grooves in the opposed faces of the ribs between which the said fillers enter and causing the lips at the inner ends of said fillers and the innermost bracket 19 to engage the inner ends of alternating ribs on the opposite half of the wheel. The outermost lugs or brackets 19 will enter the outer ends of the grooves 7 in the opposed faces of the intermediate ribs over which the plate 17 extends and, while the said plate is being brought into its proper position, the levers 21 will be swung to positions where their ends will be free from engagement with the ribs. After the inner edge of the plate 17 has been brought into the central diametrical plane of the wheel, a thin hook may be inserted through the outer end of the space between the plate and the shell 1 and engaged on the outer lever 21 so as to cause the said levers to swing upon their fulcrums, thereby bringing the outer ends thereof into engagement with the inner portions of the grooves in adjacent ribs 4: to bear against the bosses 8, thefree end of the spring 24; engaging the inner side of the adjacent lug 19, as clearly shown in Fig. 6. Accidental displacement of each plate will be thereby prevented.

It will be readily noted from the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, that I provide a traction wheel which will effectually engage the soft or loose ground of a farm and cause the machine to travel under the power applied thereto, while, when necessary, the wheel may be provided with a smooth uninterrupted tread surface in a few minutes without the removal of any bolts. The arrangement of the ribs permits me to use very thin light material as the periphery of the wheel is so thoroughly reinforced that, notwithstanding the lack of weight, the wheel will effectually resist the shocks to which it is subjected in use and will retain its shape under the most severe strains. In,- asmuch as no bolts are to be removed or inserted when changing the tread surface of the wheel, I am enabled to close the ends of the wheel completely and the heads or end plates employed for this purpose also serve as reinforcements to impart additional strength to the wheel although the said heads or end plates may be of very thin material. By closing the ends of the wheels, I effectually prevent the entrance of mud, water, or other material into the wheel when it is traveling through soft or marshy places and thereby avoid the presence of additional dead weight which is now frequently due to mud and other matter filling the traction wheel when the machine is traveling over poor roads or happens to sink into ruts or holes.

The ribs are a permanent part of the wheel and form an enveloping framework so that the wheel possesses the necessary strength although it may be constructed of such thin material that without the ribs it will collapse. As the ends of the wheel are closed, it is impossible to insert or manipulate bolts or rivets to secure or remove treads and the ribs furnish means for attaching tread members of the form best adapted to any particular working conditions.

While the outer convex surfaces of the ribs, the 'fillers, or the covering plates may bear directly upon the ground, it is obvious, of course, that they may have blocks or sheets of rubber, wood or other material secured thereon.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In a traction wheel, the combination of a shell, having closed ends, spaced ribs on the shell, fillers movable endWise to engage between some of said ribs, covering plates secured to and carried by said fillers and extending over the ribs, and interengaging means on the fillers, the covering lates, and the shell to lock the fillers an covering plates to the shell, said means being housed by the fillers and the covering plates.

2. In a traction wheel, the combination of a shell, a plurality of ribs thereon, fillers inserted between and slidably engaging said ribs, and interengaging retaining means on the shell and the fillers adapted to yield to the inward movement of the fillers but normally prevent outward movement of the same.

3. In a traction wheel, the combination of a shell, ribs thereon disposed in two series and having their inner ends provided with overhanging lips, the inner ends of the ribs in one series being disposed between and in over-lapping relation to the inner ends of the ribs in the other series,-fillers engaged between adjacent ribs in one series and pro vided at their inner ends with lugs each adapted to engage under the overhanging lip of arib in the other series.

4. In a traction wheel, the combination of a shell having closed ends, a plurality of ribs on the shell, fillers slidably engaged between adjacent ribs,and means below and covered by the fillers for preventing displacement of the same, said means being disposed between the shell and the respective fillers.

5. In a traction wheel, the combination of a shell having ribs thereon, fixed stops on the shell between the ribs, fillers slidably engaged between the ribs and adapted to pass over said stops, and retainers carried by said fillers and adapted to engage the stops to prevent withdrawal of the fillers.

6. In a traction wheel, the combination of a shell, a plurality of ribs thereon, fillers slidably engaged between some of the ribs, plates secured to and extending over said fillers, lugs on said plates adapted to engage intermediate ribs, and latches on said plates adapted to engage the ribs to prevent withdrawal of the plates.

7. In a traction wheel, the combination of Copies of this patent may be obtained for a shell, ribs thereon disposed in two series with the inner ends of the ribs in one .series alternating with the inner ends of the ribs in the other series, fillers inserted between and slidably engaging adjacent ribs in one series and limited in their inward movement by the ribs in the other series, and inter-engaging means on the fillers and the wheel to prevent outward movement of the fillers.

V 8. In atraction Wheel, the combination of a shell, ribs thereon, fixed stops on the shell between the ribs,.fillers arranged toengage Intestimony whereof I afiiX my signature.

OLIVER w. JOHNSON. a 8.

five cents each, by addressing vthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

